Systems for the detection and delivery of neurochemical and electrical signals for functional restoration

ABSTRACT

This document provides methods and materials involved in detecting and delivering neurochemical signals, electrophysiological signals, ions, or combinations thereof within a mammal. For example, systems that can include one or more implantable devices containing probes configured to detect neurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitter concentrations), electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof and one or more implantable devices containing electrodes and/or microfluidic delivery components configured to deliver neurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitters), electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof to one or more locations within a mammal are provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/023,964, filed Jun. 29, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/760,011, filed Jul. 9, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No.10,029,101), which is a National Stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371of International Application No. PCT/US2014/010882, filed Jan. 9, 2014,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/750,550, filed Jan. 9, 2013. The disclosures of the priorapplications are considered part of (and are incorporated by referencein) the disclosure of this application.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

This document relates to methods and materials involved in detecting anddelivering neurochemical signals, electrophysiological signals, ions, orcombinations thereof within a mammal. For example, this document relatesto methods and materials for using an implantable device containingprobes to detect neurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitterconcentrations), electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereofwithin one region of a mammal's brain and an implantable devicecontaining electrodes and microfluidic delivery components to deliverneurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitters), electrical signals,ions, or combinations thereof to another location within the mammal(e.g., in the brain, spinal cord region, peripheral nervous system, or amuscle region within a mammal).

2. Background Information

The brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system use electrical andchemical signaling to control movements and processes within a mammal.In some cases, artificial electrical stimulation can be performed withina mammal's brain to treat certain conditions. For example, deep brainstimulation (DBS) surgery, a neurosurgical intervention procedure, canbe used to treat single or multiple disorders, including Parkinson'sdisease (PD), tremor, dystonia, depression, and chronic pain. Severaltheories have been proposed to account for the therapeutic action ofDBS, some of which are based on the stimulation evoked release ofneurotransmitters such as dopamine, glutamate, GABA, and adenosine fromproximal and distal brain nuclei.

SUMMARY

This document provides methods and materials involved in detecting anddelivering neurochemical signals, electrophysiological signals, ions, orcombinations thereof within a mammal. For example, this documentprovides systems that can include one or more implantable devicescontaining probes configured to detect neurochemical signals (e.g.,neurotransmitter concentrations), electrical signals, ions, orcombinations thereof and one or more implantable devices containingelectrodes and/or microfluidic delivery components configured to deliverneurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitters), electrical signals,ions, or combinations thereof to one or more locations within a mammal.

As described herein, a system provided herein can include an implantabledetection device configured to be implanted into a first location withinthe brain of a mammal. Such an implantable detection device can includeone or more probes configured to detect neurochemical signals (e.g.,neurotransmitter concentrations), electrical signals, ions, orcombinations thereof and can be configured to send information aboutdetected neurochemical signals, electrical signals, and ions. The systemalso can include an implantable delivery and detection device configuredto be implanted into a location outside of the brain of the mammal. Forexample, an implantable delivery and detection device can be configuredto be implanted within a spinal cord region of a mammal with a damagedor severed spinal cord such that the delivery and detection device islocated downstream of the damaged or severed spinal cord. Such animplantable delivery and detection device can include one or moreelectrodes for delivering electrical signals to the mammal's tissue(e.g., nerves or muscle tissue), one or more microfluidic components fordelivering chemical signals and/or ions to the mammal's tissue (e.g.,nerves or muscle tissue), and one or more probes configured to detectneurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitter concentrations),electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof. Such an implantabledelivery and detection device also can be configured to receiveinformation about detected neurochemical signals, electrical signals,and ions sent from the detection device located in the brain and can beconfigured to send information about detected neurochemical signals,electrical signals, and ions in the region of the delivery and detectiondevice.

Having the ability to detect neurochemical signals, electrical signals,ions, or combinations thereof in one location within a mammal's brainquickly and accurately and to deliver neurochemical signals, electricalsignals, ions, or combinations thereof to another location within themammal's body that is downstream of a damaged or severed nerve (e.g.,spinal cord injury) quickly and accurately in response to the detectedsignals can allow researchers, medical personnel, and patients toreconnect communication across a damaged or severed nerve. Suchreconnected communication can allow different combinations of signals tobe assessed for the ability to activate particular muscular movementsdownstream of a damaged or severed nerve in response to a particulardetected signal profile within a region of the brain. In some cases, thesystems provided herein can be used to create a list of brain signalprofiles that represent particular desired or needed muscular movementsand a list of delivery signal profiles that have the ability to activateparticular muscular movements.

In general, one aspect of this document features a system for detectingsignals within the brain of a mammal and delivering signals to nervetissue downstream of a damaged or severed nerve. The system comprises,or consists essentially of, (a) a first implantable device comprisingone or more probes configured to detect neurochemical and electricalsignals within a first region of the brain, (b) a second implantabledevice comprising one or more electrodes configured to deliverelectrical signals to the nerve tissue, and (c) a third implantabledevice comprising one or more electrodes configured to deliverelectrical signals to a second region of the brain or one or moremicrofluidic delivery components configured to deliver neurochemicalsignals to the second region of the brain, wherein the first implantabledevice is configured to send information about detected neurochemicaland electrical signals directly or indirectly to the second implantabledevice, wherein the second implantable device is configured to deliverelectrical signals and neurochemical signals to the nerve tissue basedon the information, and wherein the third implantable device isconfigured to deliver electrical signals or neurochemical signals to thesecond region of the brain while or after the second implantable deviceis delivering electrical signals and neurochemical signals to the nervetissue. The second implantable device can comprise one or moremicrofluidic delivery components configured to deliver neurochemicalsignals to the nerve tissue. The second implantable device can belocated within a limb, a diaphragm, a genital region, a bladder, avascular system, or facial tissue.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention pertains. Although methods and materialssimilar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practicethe invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. Allpublications, patent applications, patents, and other referencesmentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Incase of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, willcontrol. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples areillustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a system that includes implantable devices for detectingand delivering signals, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a system that includes implantable devices for detectingand delivering signals, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 3A-D depict probe assemblies including chemical probes, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 4A-D depict probe assemblies including chemical probes andelectrical probes, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-F depict probe assemblies including chemical probes, electricalprobes, and electrodes, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document provides methods and materials involved in detecting anddelivering neurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, orcombinations thereof within a mammal. For example, this documentprovides systems that can include one or more implantable devicescontaining probes configured to detect neurochemical signals (e.g.,neurotransmitter concentrations), electrical signals, ions, orcombinations thereof and one or more implantable devices containingelectrodes and/or microfluidic delivery components configured to deliverneurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitters), electrical signals,ions, or combinations thereof to one or more locations within a mammal.In some cases, an implantable device containing a probe can include oneor more transmitters and/or one or more processors configured totransmit wirelessly information or instructions about the detectedsignals to an implantable device containing an electrode and/ormicrofluidic delivery components. In some cases, an implantable devicecontaining an electrode and/or microfluidic delivery components caninclude one or more receivers and/or one or more processors configuredto receive information or instructions sent from an implantable devicecontaining a probe. The methods and materials provided herein can beused with any appropriate mammal including, without limitation, humans,monkeys, horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats,and mice.

In some cases, an implantable device containing one or more probesconfigured to detect neurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, orcombinations thereof can be implanted into a region of a mammal's brainto detect neurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, orcombinations thereof within that region. Examples of neurochemicals thatcan be detected using the methods and materials provided herein include,without limitation, dopamine, serotonin, adenosine, adenine mono- ortri-phosphate, norepinephrine, GABA, histamine, acetylcholine,glutamate, aspartate, epinephrine, nitric oxide, glycine, trace amines(e.g., tryptamine, phenylethylamine, tyramine, and octopamine), andamino acid-based neuropeptides (e.g., endorphins, enkephalins, andvasopressin). For example, an implantable device containing one or moreprobes provided herein can include one or more sensors to detect one ormore neurochemicals. In some cases, a single sensor can be used todetect a single neurochemical. For example, an implantable devicecontaining one or more probes provided herein can include a first sensordesigned to detect dopamine and a second sensor designed to detectglutamate. Another design is to use a singular sensing electrode, and byimpressing different voltage ramps, different neurochemicals can bedetected using the same sensing electrode at slightly different times.

The methods and materials provided herein can be used to detect anyappropriate electrical signal generated within a mammal (e.g., a human).For example, an implantable device containing one or more probesprovided herein can include one or more sensors to detect electricalsignals within the brain of a mammal.

Examples of ions that can be detected using the methods and materialsprovided herein include, without limitation, calcium, magnesium, sodium,potassium, protons (pH), iron, copper, chromium, lead, mercury, cobalt,gold, lithium, cesium, barium, zinc, chloride, bicarbonate, phosphate,bromide, iodide, sulfide, oxide, sulfide, oxygen, and fluoride. Forexample, an implantable device containing one or more probes providedherein can include one or more sensors to detect one or more ions. Insome cases, a single sensor can be used to detect a single ion. Forexample, an implantable device containing one or more probes providedherein can include a first sensor designed to detect calcium and asecond sensor designed to detect protons. Another design is to use asingular sensing electrode, and by impressing different voltage ramps,different ions can be detected using the same sensing electrode atslightly different times.

An implantable device containing one or more probes configured to detectneurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereofcan be implanted into any appropriate region of a mammal's brain todetect neurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, or combinationsthereof within that region. For example, an implantable devicecontaining one or more probes configured to detect neurochemicalsignals, electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof can beimplanted into the cerebral cortex, thalamus, basal ganglia, orbrainstem region of a mammal's brain.

In some cases, an implantable device containing one or more probesconfigured to detect neurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, orcombinations thereof can be configured to send the detected informationregarding neurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, orcombinations thereof to a control unit located within or outside of themammal. For example, an implantable device containing one or more probescan be configured to send the detected information to a computerizedcontrol unit having the ability to assess the information for particularsignal profiles. In such cases, the computerized control unit can sendinformation about the detected information or about a particular signalprofile to one or more other implanted devices (e.g., an implantabledevices containing electrodes and/or microfluidic delivery componentsconfigured to deliver neurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions,or combinations thereof to one or more locations within the mammal). Insome cases, an implantable device containing one or more probesconfigured to detect neurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, orcombinations thereof can be configured to include a computerized controlunit capable of sending information about the detected information orabout a particular signal profile to one or more other implanteddevices.

In general, an implantable device containing one or more probesconfigured to detect neurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, orcombinations thereof is used in combination with one or more implantabledevices containing one or more electrodes and/or microfluidic deliverycomponents configured to deliver neurochemical signals, electricalsignals, ions, or combinations thereof. In some cases, an implantabledevice containing one or more electrodes and/or microfluidic deliverycomponents configured to deliver neurochemical signals, electricalsignals, ions, or combinations thereof can be implanted within amammal's body to deliver neurochemical signals, electrical signals,ions, or combinations thereof to that region of the mammal's body. Suchan implantable device containing one or more electrodes and/ormicrofluidic delivery components configured to deliver neurochemicalsignals, electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof can beconfigure to receive signals from a computerized control unit capable ofsending information. Such information can include, without limitation,information about detected information obtained from an implantabledevice containing one or more probes configured to detect neurochemicalsignals, electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof, informationabout a particular signal profile obtained from an implantable devicecontaining one or more probes configured to detect neurochemicalsignals, electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof, orinformation about the type and/or duration of signals to deliver. Forexample, an implantable device containing one or more probes configuredto detect neurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, orcombinations thereof can include a computerized control unit that sendsa delivery signal profile based on detected information aboutneurochemical signals, electrical signals, and/or ions within the brainof a mammal to an implantable device containing one or more electrodesand/or microfluidic delivery components configured to deliverneurochemical signals, electrical signals, and/or ions to the mammal.Once such information is received by an implantable device containingone or more electrodes and/or microfluidic delivery componentsconfigured to deliver neurochemical signals, electrical signals, and/orions, that implantable device can deliver neurochemical signals,electrical signals, and/or ions to the mammal according to theinformation received.

An implantable device containing one or more electrodes and/ormicrofluidic delivery components configured to deliver neurochemicalsignals, electrical signals, and/or ions can be implanted into anyappropriate region of a mammal's body to deliver neurochemical signals,electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof to that region. Forexample, an implantable device containing one or more electrodes and/ormicrofluidic delivery components can be implanted a region such as thespinal cord region, a dorsal root ganglia, a peripheral nerve, or amuscle such as the diaphragm, bladder, or the like. In some cases, animplantable device containing one or more electrodes and/or microfluidicdelivery components can be implanted downstream of a damaged or severednerve (e.g., damaged or severed spinal cord).

Any appropriate electrical signal can be delivered to a mammal's tissue(e.g., nerve tissue or muscle tissue) when an implanted devicecontaining one or more electrodes and/or microfluidic deliverycomponents is triggered to deliver an electrical signal. For example,continuous electrical stimulation, electrical pulses, sigmoidal pulses,or any user defined pulses can be delivered by an implantable devicecontaining one or more electrodes and optionally one or moremicrofluidic delivery components.

Any appropriate neurochemical signal or ion can be delivered to amammal's tissue (e.g., nerve tissue or muscle tissue) when an implanteddevice containing one or more electrodes and/or microfluidic deliverycomponents is triggered to deliver a neurochemical signal or ion. Forexample, adenosine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and/or protons can bedelivered by an implantable device containing one or more microfluidicdelivery components and optionally one or more electrodes. In somecases, an implantable device containing one or more microfluidicdelivery components and optionally one or more electrodes can beconfigured to deliver growth factors such as nerve growth factor, gliaderived neurotrophic factor, or epidermal growth factor. For example,growth factors can be delivered to a particular location within a mammalin addition electrical signals, neurochemical signals, and ions.

In some cases, an implantable device containing one or more electrodesand/or microfluidic delivery components configured to deliverneurochemical signals, electrical signals, and/or ions can include oneor more probes configured to detect neurochemical signals, electricalsignals, ions, or combinations thereof. In such cases, the implantabledevice can be configured to send the detected information regardingneurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereofto a control unit located within or outside of the mammal. For example,an implantable device configured to deliver and to detect signals can beconfigured to send the detected information to a computerized controlunit having the ability to assess the information for particular signalprofiles. In such cases, the computerized control unit can sendinformation about the detected information or about a particular signalprofile to one or more other implanted devices (e.g., a firstimplantable device containing one or more probes that is located withina first location within the mammal's brain or a second implantabledevice containing one or more probes that is located within a secondlocation within the mammal's brain). In some cases, an implantabledevice configured to deliver and to detect signals can be configured toinclude a computerized control unit capable of sending information aboutthe detected information or about a particular signal profile to one ormore other implanted devices.

In some cases, three or more implantable device can be used incombination to create a feedback system. For example, a firstimplantable device containing one or more probes can be positioned at afirst location within the mammal's brain to obtain a first signalprofile. Once detected, the signal profile or information about thesignals to be delivered based on that signal profile can be sent to asecond implantable device containing one or more electrodes and/or oneor more microfluidic delivery components that is positioned at a secondlocation within the mammal's body. In some cases, the second locationcan be a region downstream of a damaged or severed nerve (e.g., a regionproximal to a severed nerve). Such a second implantable device can beconfigured to deliver electrical signals, neurochemical signals, growthfactors, and/or ions based on the information received from the firstimplantable device or a computerized control unit in communication withthe first implantable device. In some cases, the second implantabledevice can be configured to detect electrical signals, neurochemicalsignals, and/or ions within the region where it is implanted. Inaddition, the second implantable device can be configured to sendinformation about the delivered signals and/or any detected electricalsignals, neurochemical signals, and/or ions to the control unit or to athird implantable device. In some cases, the third implantable devicecan be located within the brain of the mammal at a location that isdifferent from the location of the first implantable device. The thirdimplantable device can be configured to have one or more electrodesand/or one or more microfluidic delivery components configured todeliver neurochemical signals, electrical signals, and/or ions to themammal's brain. Delivery of these neurochemical signals, electricalsignals, and/or ions to the brain can complete a communication loop thatoriginated within a first location of the brain, flowed to a locationoutside the brain (e.g., a location downstream of a damaged or severednerve), and flowed back to a second location within the brain.

An implantable device of a system provided herein can include anycombination of (a) one or more probes configured to detect neurochemicalsignals, electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof, (b) one ormore electrodes configured to deliver electrical signals, and (c) one ormore microfluidic delivery components configured to deliverneurochemical signals, ions, and/or growth factors. Examples of probesconfigured to detect neurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, orcombinations thereof include those probes described in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2012/0165634. Examples of electrodesconfigured to deliver electrical signals include those electrodesdescribed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0165634. Insome cases, electrical signals can be provided using an electrode suchas a neurostimulator (e.g., a Medtronic™ Soletra or Kinetraneurostimulator). Examples of microfluidic delivery components that canbe configured to deliver neurochemical signals, growth factors, and/orions include, without limitation, microfluidic tubes, channels, valves,pathways, input ports, storage regions, and output ports.

In some cases, multiplexed arrays of sensing probes and/or stimulationelectrodes can be used. In some cases, a 10×10 electrode array, offeringabout 100 points in a plane, can be used, thereby covering a substantialvolume area. The array can be sized such that a substantial volume canbe stimulated by choice, and the activity can be detected in the volume.Time mapping of activity or effect can be carried out using an array. Bymultiplexing the detection or delivery stimulation, the overhead of databandwidth and the amount of support electronics can be decreased.

In some cases, an implantable device provided herein can include asingle electrode probe for fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV). Thesingle electrode probe can include independent areas (e.g., twoindependent areas) of active electrode such as pyrolytic carbon orcarbon fiber, that, by varying the FSCV impressed voltage, signalsrepresenting different neurochemicals can be determined. If the areasare too close together, which would cause interference, the signals canbe multiplexed such that the signal is detected quasi simultaneously bymeasuring one chemical directly after the first chemical was detected.In some cases, an implantable device provided herein can be used todetermine the effect of stimulation. Stimulation of two different areascan produce release of different neurochemicals (such as histamine,adenosine, glutamate, and dopamine), and the ratio or absolute amountchanges can provide a physiologic effect of interest.

In some cases, one or more chemicals (e.g., dopamine, adenosine,serotonin, and norepinephrine) can be detected using various scanwaveforms in FSCV applied to one or more probes.

Referring now to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, a system 10 can include animplantable device 12 containing one or more probes configured to detectneurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, or combinationsthereof. Implantable device 12 can include a control unit and can be inwireless communication with an implantable device 14 containing one ormore electrodes configured to deliver electrical signals and/or one ormore microfluidic delivery components configured to deliverneurochemical signals, growth factors, and/or ions. In some cases,implantable device 14 can include one or more probes configured todetect neurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, or combinationsthereof Implantable device 14 can include a control unit and can be inwireless communication with an implantable device 16 containing one ormore electrodes configured to deliver electrical signals and/or one ormore microfluidic delivery components configured to deliverneurochemical signals, and/or ions. In some cases, implantable device 12can be positioned within a first location within a mammal's brain,implantable device 14 can be positioned within the mammal's bodydownstream of a damaged or severed nerve (e.g., proximal to thedownstream point of the nerve injury), and implantable device 16 can bepositioned within a second location within the mammal's brain.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, a system 20 can include animplantable device 12 containing one or more probes configured to detectneurochemical signals, electrical signals, ions, or combinationsthereof, an implantable device 14 containing one or more electrodesconfigured to deliver electrical signals and/or one or more microfluidicdelivery components configured to deliver neurochemical signals, growthfactors, and/or ions, and an implantable device 16 containing one ormore electrodes configured to deliver electrical signals and/or one ormore microfluidic delivery components configured to deliverneurochemical signals, and/or ions. In some cases, implantable device 14can include one or more probes configured to detect neurochemicalsignals, electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof. Each ofimplantable device 12, implantable device 14, and implantable device 16can include a control unit and can be in wireless communication with aprocessing unit 18. Processing unit 18 can be configured to sendinformation to and receive information from each of implantable device12, implantable device 14, and implantable device 16.

Processing unit 18 can be implanted within the mammal containingimplantable device 12, implantable device 14, and implantable device 16or can be located outside of the mammal containing implantable device12, implantable device 14, and implantable device 16. In some cases,processing unit 18 can be a hand held communicating device, a personalcomputing workstation, a server, or the like, and can wirelesslycommunicate with a display configured to display information indicativeof data received by processing unit 18.

In some cases, implantable device 12 can include one or more probes incommunication with one or more control units that, for example, canreceive information from the individual probes, prepare the data fortransmission, and telemeter the prepared data to processing unit 18. Insome cases, the control units can receive data from processing unit 18.For example, processing unit 18 can instruct one or more of the controlunits of implantable device 12 to transmit data from one or more of theprobes of implantable device 12 to processing unit 18. In anotherexample, processing unit 18 can instruct individual control units ofimplantable device 14 to activate one or more electrodes of implantabledevice 14 to stimulate surrounding tissue and/or to activate one or moremicrofluidic delivery components to deliver neurochemical signals,and/or ions to surrounding tissue.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-D, in some embodiments, an implantable deviceprovided herein can include one or more probe assemblies 200 where eachprobe assembly 200 can include one or more probes configured to measurea single chemical. In this configuration, a single probe assembly 200can advantageously measure the level of more than a single chemical.Exemplary measurements performed by chemical probes can include pHlevel, the concentration of neurochemicals (e.g., dopamine, serotonin,adenosine, norepinephrine, GABA, histamine, acetylcholine, glutamate,and the like), enzymatic activity, electrophsiological activity, and thelike. An individual probe assembly 200 can include one or moreretractable and advanceable probes such as side chemical probes 210 anddistal chemical probes 220 (FIG. 3A). In some embodiments, probeassembly 200 can include one or more chemical probes 230 bundled withinan interior lumen of probe assembly 200 (FIG. 3B). Probe assembly 200can include one or more chemical ring probes 240 around thecircumference of probe assembly 200 (FIG. 3C). In some embodiments,probe assembly 200 can include a central lumen through which one or morechemical probes 250 pass and further extend beyond the distal tip ofprobe assembly 200 (FIG. 3D).

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-D, in some embodiments, an implantable deviceprovided herein can include one or more probe assemblies 300 where eachprobe assembly 300 can include one or more chemical probes (e.g.,chemical probes of the type described in connection with FIG. 3A-D, andthe like) and one or more electrical probes configured to measure asingle electrophysiological signal. Exemplary measurements performed byelectrical probes can include EEG, EMG, EOG, and the like. An individualprobe assembly 300 can include one or more retractable and advanceableprobes such as the side chemical probe 210, one or more side electricalprobes 315, the one or more distal chemical probes 220, and one or moredistal electrical probes 325 (FIG. 4A). In some embodiments, probeassembly 300 can include one or more chemical probes 230 and one or moreelectrical probes 335 bundled within an interior lumen of probe assembly300 (FIG. 4B). Probe assembly 300 can include one or more of chemicalring probes 240 and one or more electrical ring probes 345 around thecircumference of probe assembly 300 (FIG. 4C). In some embodiments,probe assembly 300 can include a central lumen through which one or morechemical probes 250 and one or more electrical probes 355 pass andfurther extend beyond the distal tip of probe assembly 300 (FIG. 4D).Probe assembly 300 can include one or more probes (e.g., chemical probes360, electrical probes (not shown), and the like) mounted on the outsidewall of and external to probe assembly 300 (FIG. 4D).

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-F, in some embodiments, an implantable deviceprovided herein can include one or more probe assemblies 400 where eachprobe assembly 400 can include one or more probes (e.g., probes of thetypes described in connection with FIGS. 3A-D, FIGS. 4A-D, and the like)and one or more electrodes 405 that can provide an electrical signal tosurrounding tissues. Exemplary electrodes 405 can be used to provideelectrical signals to nerve or muscle tissue within a mammal downstreamof a damaged or severed nerve. An individual probe assembly 400 caninclude a side chemical probe 210 and a side electrical probe 315 thatextend from a sidewall of electrode 405 (FIG. 5A). In some embodiments,probe assembly 400 can include one or more chemical probes 330 andelectrical probes 335 bundled around the exterior of electrode 405 andcontained, at least partially, within an outer housing 402 (FIG. 5B).Probe assembly 400 can include one or more chemical ring probes 240 andone or more electrical ring probes 345 around the circumference ofelectrode 405 (FIG. 5C). In some embodiments, probe assembly 400 caninclude one or more probes (e.g., a chemical probe 360, an electricalprobe (not shown), and the like) mounted on the outside wall of andexternal to electrode 405 (FIG. 5D).

Referring now to FIG. 5E, in some embodiments, a probe assembly 400 caninclude an electrode 405 with a central lumen 407 through which one ormore probes (e.g., electrical probes 465, chemical probes (not shown),and the like) can pass. Referring now to FIG. 5F, in some embodiments, aprobe assembly 400 can include an electrode 405 with a central lumen 407through which one or more of chemical probes 250 and one or more ofelectrical probes 355 pass and further extend beyond the distal tip ofelectrode 405. In some cases, a probe assembly can include one or moreof ring probes 240 and 345 around the circumference of electrode probe405 and one or more probes 210 and 215 that extend from the sidewall.

Other Embodiments

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described inconjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoingdescription is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of theinvention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Otheraspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for detecting signals within the brainof a mammal and delivering signals to nerve tissue downstream of adamaged or severed nerve, wherein said system comprises: (a) a firstimplantable device comprising one or more probes configured to detectneurochemical and electrical signals within a first region of saidbrain, (b) a second implantable device comprising one or more electrodesconfigured to deliver electrical signals to said nerve tissue, and (c) athird implantable device comprising one or more electrodes configured todeliver electrical signals to a second region of said brain or one ormore microfluidic delivery components configured to deliverneurochemical signals to said second region of said brain, wherein saidfirst implantable device is configured to send information aboutdetected neurochemical and electrical signals directly or indirectly tosaid second implantable device, wherein said second implantable deviceis configured to deliver electrical signals and neurochemical signals tosaid nerve tissue based on said information, and wherein said thirdimplantable device is configured to deliver electrical signals orneurochemical signals to said second region of said brain while or aftersaid second implantable device is delivering electrical signals andneurochemical signals to said nerve tissue.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the second implantable device further comprises one or moremicrofluidic delivery components configured to deliver neurochemicalsignals to said nerve tissue.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein saidsecond implantable device is located within a limb, a diaphragm, agenital region, a bladder, a vascular system, or facial tissue.